To reach FitNation directly, call 847-623-4506 to speak with a front desk representative.

To directly reach Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center, call 847-599-3780 to speak with a customer service representative. 

To reach Hunt Club Park Community Center, call 847-623-7788 to speak with a customer service representative.

To reach Viking Park Community Center, call 847-623-7788 to speak with a customer service representative. 

Vicki Paddock

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847-249-0087

Coming soon!

Michelle Klemz
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Coming soon!

Gerald Crews

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847-244-5449

Commissioner Gerry Crews was elected to the Board in April 2011. Gerry and his family have been residents of Gurnee for 25 years. He is active in community affairs such as: Gurnee Days, Exchange Club Events, and the annual Gurnee’s Relay for Life. Professionally, Gerry is a partner of JKR Financial Consultants, Ltd, a Retirement Planning Company, a Registered Representative with FSC Securities Corporation, graduate of University of Wisconsin’s CU Management School and has been in the banking, insurance and financial arena for over 30 years. He is a parishioner of St. Paul the Apostle and his younger children attend Warren Township High School.

Through the years, Gerry and his family have participated in many of the park district programs. “I am honored that the residents of Gurnee have elected me to serve as a commissioner on the Gurnee Park District Board. GPD has always provided a feeling of extended family to my wife and children through their exceptional programs and events. I look forward to bringing my passion for fiscal responsibility to future district planning and will focus on maintaining the high level of financial strength developed by my predecessors to ensure that such excellence continues to grow,” stated Crews.

Aaron Dalzot
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After graduating from University of Central Florida with a Bachelor Degree in Political Science, Dalzot began his career in the industry working for organizations such as Walt Disney World Resorts, Major League Baseball, Orange County Parks and Recreation as well as the Park District of Oak Park. For the last five years, Dalzot has served the community of Lake Forest as a Program Manager. With a focus on the Lakefront facility in Lake Forest, Dalzot is not a stranger to the industry.  His professional responsibilities include staffing, programming and facility management for the City of Lake Forest.

As a resident of Gurnee for the last five years, Dalzot’s family has participated in swim lessons as well as Gurnee Park District’s before and after school CARE program. He also volunteers at Woodland School, where his children currently attend.

His reason for running for Park Board goes beyond his passion and involvement in the field.

“I wanted to show my young children that you can give back to your community and neighborhood.”

Dalzot is excited to give back to the Gurnee community, teach his children the value of volunteering as well as share his passion for drama and fine arts. Dalzot shared that there are a number of opportunities available to engage, grow and stay active throughout Gurnee. 

“I’m looking forward to building upon the tremendous foundation already in place, especially relating to drama, theater and acting,” concluded Dalzot. 

Outside of parks and recreation, Dalzot enjoys sharing time with his wife Jessica and their two children, Starter and Annika. He is also an avid sports fan and music enthusiast, enjoying all genres from folk to metal and reggae.  

Michael Wick

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847-599-3756

Our Director of Recreation, Michael Wick, grew up in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, a small community approximately 60 miles northwest of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Growing up, he was actively involved in the community recreation programs, from swim lessons to summer school to any sport he could get involved in. After high school, he attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a degree in Sports Management. During his summer breaks, Mike returned home to teach summer school classes and athletic camps. It was at that point he knew recreation was the professional field for him.

Upon graduation from La Crosse, Mike took the position of Recreation Specialist/Youth Athletics at the Waukegan Park District, where he worked for two years. From there, Mike accepted the position of Athletic Coordinator at the Elk Grove Park Distinct, where he oversaw programs and specialty camps, indoor and outdoor community facilities (50 outdoor athletic fields, five gymnasiums, meeting rooms at three locations, etc.) and community events. His most recent position was as the Executive Director of the Wauwatosa Recreation Department (Wauwatosa, WI just west of Milwaukee). There, Mike worked with the Recreation team to provide a full range of community recreation program services offering something for participants of any age.

Mike and his wife, Dayna, are the proud parents of two little girls, who are very excited to experience all of the wonderful facilities, parks and programs Gurnee Park District has to offer.

He is looking forward to building upon a high level of organizational success and a first class community recreation department.  Mike is very much look forward to working with the team at Gurnee Park District to ensure the best programs and services are offered to our residents.

Mike Szpylman

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847-599-3747

Our Director of Business Services, Michael Szpylman, grew up just next to Gurnee in Waukegan, IL. When he grew up in Waukegan, he was a heavy user of the Waukegan Park District playing baseball and soccer as well attending camp, visiting the pool and exploring the ravine and woods at Bowen Park.

Now as an adult, his entire family is able to enjoy so much of what Gurnee Park District has to offer. His three daughters all attended preschool with the Park District as well as participated in so many of the recreation programs from dance to soccer to youth musical theater just to name a few. His girls love going to Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center throughout the summer and attending the awesome summer camps. Emily and Natalie (his oldest daughters) love outdoor survivor camp! Mike and his wife, Vicki, enjoy working out at both FitNation locations, love playing pickleball at the Park District and not to mention dropping the girls off at the always appreciated Parents’ Night Out program. And let’s not forget the awesome parks that his family enjoys on a regular basis during the weekends and nice spring, summer and fall nights.

Prior to his employment at Gurnee Park District, Michael worked for the Arena Football League as controller and for TopGolf USA as chief financial officer. In 2009, Michael moved into the government sector as the Finance Director in Kronenwetter, WI. While working in Kronenwetter, Michael saw the Director of Business Services job opportunity for Gurnee Park District and jumped at the chance to come home to Northern Lake County in a career he loves.

Michael was hired as Director of Business Services in October 2010. As Director of Business Services, Michael oversees all financial aspects of the Park District including accounting, accounts payable, financial reporting as well as human resources and information technology.

Jennifer Gilbert

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847-599-5498

Our Director of Marketing and Community Relations, Jennifer Gilbert, fondly recalls her earliest memories of Gurnee Park District including riding her bike through Viking Park, using her Park District pool pass to swim at the High School pool or “PIT” almost daily and a memorable fall themed ribbon cutting event at O’Plaine park, adjacent to her childhood home. “I have always been connected to Gurnee Park District in one way or another,” she stated.

Prior to her employment at Gurnee Park District, Jennifer’s relationship continued to grow as a sponsor of district special events with her previous employer. When she discovered an opportunity to bring her marketing and communication expertise to the Park District she knew it was the perfect role for her.

Jennifer was hired as the Marketing and PR Manager in 2008 and since then has not only expanded marketing and communication efforts through many advertising channels, she has spearheaded social media for the District, expanded community and media relations and built a team of marketing professionals that care for the brand, communications, advertising and sponsorship opportunities.

Jennifer has served on many committees including a Village of Gurnee Diversity Committee, past Gurnee Rotary Member, PR Council of Lake County Member and past chair, Live Well Lake County Be Active: Walking Action Team Co-Chair, Business Education Partners Program Member (BEPP), United Way of Lake County marketing advisor and several other committees and action teams throughout the community and Lake County.

Jennifer was promoted to Director of Marketing and Community Relations in April of 2016 after the successful brand launch of FitNation and rollout of Gurnee Park District’s newest health movement, GO GURNEE.

“I am so very proud to work for Gurnee Park District and look forward to finding ways to better serve our community every day!” Jennifer added.

Kraig Owens

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847-599-3770

Kraig Owens has been a part of the Gurnee community since 1988. From playing youth soccer to taking karate classes in the Viking Park Dance Hall to Gurnee Days Board Member and President, Kraig has always been involved and a part of his community. His fondest memories with Gurnee Park District include being a volunteer soccer coach and his time spent on the parks team in a part-time role throughout high school and college. 

As a member of IPRA (Illinois Park and Recreation Association) and NRPA (National Recreation and Park Association) Kraig's career has served a variety of Park District's throughout Illinois.  He began his career in the field as the Assistant Athletic Director for Wheaton Park District . Soon after, he took the next step in his career as the Program Manager for Athletics and Camp for the community of Glencoe. Kraig valued continuing education earning his M.S. in Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration from Western Illinois University as well as industry certifications; CPRP (Certified Park and Recreation Professional), CPSI (Certified Playground Safety Inspector) and CPO (Certified Pool Operator).  

Kraig rejoined Gurnee Park District in 2015 as Safety Supervisor. Within this role, he aslo served as the Park District liasion to PDRMA (Park District Risk Management Agency).  In his new role as the Director of Parks and Planning, he will continue to keep safety top of mind, while sharing his passion and continuing to provide fun, beautiful parks, fields and facilities for the Village of Gurnee.

Supervisor of Community Programming & Events, Mary Lester
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     847-599-3745

Aquatic Facility Manager, Diane DeLorenzo
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     847-599-3753

Aquatic Coordinator, Amanda Kochenash
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     847-599-3786

Supervisor of Community Programming and Events, Mary Lester
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     847-599-3745

Performing Arts Coordinator, Amelia Faulstick
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     847-599-3765

Customer Support Supervisor, Natalie Ellis
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847-599-5496

Director of Recreation, Michael Wick, CPRP
     E-mail
     847-599-3756

Membership Services Supervisor, Omayra Shofner
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     847-623-4506

Fitness Operations Supervisor, Jason Clevelle
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     847-623-4514

Manager, Sue McDougle, CPRP
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     847-599-3767

Preschool Coordinator, Aimee Schneider
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     847-599-5499

Supervisor of Community Programming and Events, Mary Lester

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       847-599-3745

Recreation Coordinator - Rentals, Thomas Baker
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       847-599-3758

Athletics Supervisor, Chris Poole
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     847-599-3770

Supervisor of Community Programming and Events, Mary Lester
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     847-599-3745

Youth Program Supervisor, Sabrina Hinkens
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     847-599-3746

Youth Program Coordinator, Laura Obenauf
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     847-599-3764

Human Resources Manager, Majeeda Purnell
     E-mail
     847-599-5479

Manger of IT Services, Fred Colon
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      847-599-5478

Marketing and Public Relations Specialist, Deanna Angelini Johann, CPRP, MSIMC
     E-mail
     847-599-3785

Parks and Grounds Operations Supervisor, Steve Becker, CPRP
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     847599-3772

Director of Parks and Planning, Kraig Owens CPRP, CPSI, CPO
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     847-599-3770

Risk Manager, Chris Marzano, CPRP
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     847-599-3752